Although Hiroki could generally use Yin-Yang Release jutsu, he rarely did so.
Even with Yin-Yang Release jutsu, the process followed principles of equivalent exchange and energy transfer.
The so-called act of creation was essentially using one's own chakra to generate special property changes for energy transfer—from individual A to individual B.
In other words, it involved shaping formless energy into tangible form, then infusing it with life force—achieving equivalent exchange and energy transfer between different vessels.
Activation of Yin-Yang Release jutsu absolutely required interaction between separate individuals.
This applied whether transforming the Ten-Tails into the Nine-Tailed Beasts or when Naruto created Kakashi's new eye in the original story.
Hiroki speculated that the Sage of Six Paths' inability to achieve immortality through Yin-Yang Release might have been related to there being no one else in his era who could assist with such techniques.
Another factor was the fixed upper limit of Yin-Yang Release jutsu creations. Unless someone used external energy like Kaguya did to increase their strength, perhaps the Sage of Six Paths had similar concerns in this regard.
While he pondered these things, several days later Shion came to find him, saying she needed to perform a ceremony to suppress Moryo.
Under Hiroki's curious gaze, Shion drew a formation on the ground and asked him to stand right at the center.
Then she began her ritual movements.
He had to admit—it looked rather elegant. Paired with her Miko attire, it was like watching a graceful ballet performance, genuinely enjoyable.
But what actual effect did it have?
During the ritual, he could hear that damned clanging noise he'd come to hate.
As the ceremony progressed, his expression gradually changed.
He actually felt his mind becoming incredibly clear—every distracting thought vanished completely, leaving his thoughts flowing smoother than ever.
This condition felt exactly like getting a bless buff inside a video game—like everything just clicked.
Could this be because of her? Was it due to the Miko's divine position granting such abilities?
Back in his previous life, maintaining this state while studying would've let him race through exams without breaking a sweat.
Shion stopped moving, and Hiroki turned his questioning gaze toward her.
Noticing the change in his eyes, Shion allowed herself a slight smile of pride. "Well? Impressive, right?"
"Very impressive," Hiroki nodded. "Is that all? No need to worry about Moryo anymore?"
"Of course not. What I placed upon you will only last about an hour. Under these circumstances, Moryo absolutely cannot influence your thoughts."
"You mean we'll need to do this regularly from now on?" Hiroki rubbed his temple helplessly, sounding somewhat annoyed. "I really don't want to keep hearing that bell sound every time I dream."
"Daily," Shion said with narrowed eyes.
"Seriously? Could this possibly just be your personal preference?" Hiroki stared directly at her.
Like someone who'd just heard a joke too absurd to be true, Shion couldn't help but burst into laughter, smirking slightly. "Personal preference? Me having personal feelings for you?"
"Well then, better this way. No misunderstandings are necessary—we'd all be spared unnecessary troubles," Hiroki smiled naturally. "See you tomorrow."
Shion hesitated briefly before turning and walking away.
Just as she had said, about an hour later, Hiroki's state of absolute clarity and distraction-free focus began to fade.
After a short while, several White Zetsu appeared together.
Kaguya approached as well.
They had all come to assist Hiroki in dealing with Moryo.
First, the White Zetsu worked together to construct a barrier, enclosing both Hiroki and Kaguya inside to prevent Moryo from escaping or dispersing elsewhere.
At the same time, Moryo also sensed that it could finally separate from Hiroki's body.
It fully understood their intentions—either remain inside his body or be sealed within another vessel once it exited.
With no other options left, it decided to take its chances.
As the first strands of dark purple-black chakra drifted out from his body, Moryo chose to leave him.
"Moryo, this is the new body I've created for you," Hiroki smiled, holding up a small black spherical orb riddled with tiny holes.
These small openings on the otherwise simple ball emitted a noticeable pulling force.
In fact, those who created beings using Yin-Yang Release techniques could pass on part of their own powers. For example, Black Zetsu, originally created by Kaguya, possessed spiritual jutsu such as merging, possession, and assimilation—all derived directly from Kaguya herself.
Everything had been specially arranged back then as preparation for breaking free of the seal in the future.
He, however, had chosen to apply Gravitational Force upon that orb.
Moryo cursed angrily, "Who told you a stupid ball can even be considered a body?"
It completely left Hiroki's body, sending waves of chaotic and malevolent energy spiraling outward like dark purple smoke or countless dark purple serpentine tails.
The previously bright barrier turned pitch black, darker and far more unsettling than night itself.
Moryo continuously darted through the minds of both Hiroki and Kaguya, hoping to manipulate them into turning against each other.
Kaguya slightly furrowed her brows but remained practically unaffected.
However, Hiroki felt dizzy under the relentless assault of indescribable negative thoughts.
He held up the orb, and as soon as it neared the dark chakra, the energy was instantly sucked in.
Actually, he had once considered whether he could condense Moryo into one cohesive form just like the Sage of Six Paths had done with the Ten-Tails to create the Tailed Beasts. But transforming the Ten-Tails into nine individual Tailed Beasts had always involved transitioning from tangible to tangible; Moryo's soul had become nearly intangible.
Moreover, he wanted to consume Moryo—not nurture it. So why go through so much trouble?
Feeling its strength gradually decreasing, Moryo grew furious yet helpless.
"Damn it!"
Realizing Kaguya was completely immune, Moryo focused entirely on Hiroki instead.
Thick waves of dark purple energy surged in and out of his mind repeatedly, as though cycling through his brain.
"Kill her!"
"Do it now!"
"That woman deserves to die!"
Countless piercing shrieks tore through his mind like wild screams. His expression twisted with rage, and his bright blue eyes dimmed slightly.
"Kaguya," he rasped in a hoarse voice.
"Come on!" Moryo laughed loudly, urging Kaguya to yield. He sneered, "Hmph, no matter how strong you are, you're just a brat who's only been around for a decade or so. When it comes to willpower, you're nowhere near me. Just obey me and become my puppet."
Yet after several seconds passed, Hiroki simply stood motionless.
Afraid of what he might do, he deliberately relinquished control of his body to Kaguya, allowing her to take over.
Kaguya picked up the orb and continued with the task of containing Moryo.
Moryo was completely helpless.
Although he had struggled fiercely at first, Kaguya exercised great restraint to avoid killing him outright.
In the end, after all his futile resistance, Moryo was sealed back inside the spherical object.
The barrier lifted. Kaguya approached the dazed Hiroki, gently supporting him as she said softly, "Why don't you go rest for a bit?"
Cradling the groggy Hiroki in her arms, Kaguya turned to White Zetsu and said, "Go bring the miko here."
As for the orb lying abandoned on the ground, Moryo remained trapped within it, his power suppressed by the orb's abilities, leaving him to roll helplessly across the floor.
A white hand reached out and grabbed it as White Zetsu chuckled, "Don't try escaping now."
The orb spun violently in his palm, seemingly expressing its fury.
Kaguya carried Hiroki back to the house Hiashi had arranged for her and laid him down on a bed.
She pulled open the light-blocking curtains.
Moments later, led by someone else, Shion arrived too.
Before her eyes lay a long-haired young man resting on the bed, his forehead protector removed, eyes tightly shut.
Beside him stood the beautiful woman in white, gently stroking his forehead with tender care.
Their relationship appeared quite intimate.
Seeing this scene, Shion couldn't help but feel uneasy inside.
Once, she believed her mother was the most charming woman in the world—not just because she was exceptionally beautiful, but also graceful and poised, exuding an icy elegance that somehow still felt warm like a spring breeze.
Her mother was her role model—someone she had always dreamed of becoming.
Now, seeing Kaguya, she couldn't help feeling somewhat inferior again.
No wonder Hyuga Hiroki warned against getting the wrong idea—there was already an even more perfect woman by his side.
If she was still a budding girl with an uncertain future, then Kaguya had already reached her prime, radiating captivating charm with every movement.
That's the difference between a young girl and a mature, enchanting woman, Shion thought bitterly to herself.
After comparing them both in her mind, Shion refocused and stepped forward worriedly, asking, "What happened to Hyuga Hiroki?"
"We were accelerating the Merging between Moryo and him. The spirit resisted fiercely, overwhelming him with disturbances until he ended up like this..."
Shion nodded understandingly. "I see. I'll help him regain consciousness."
Kaguya gave a slight nod and moved away from the bedside.
Watching her movements from the corner of her eye the entire time, Shion finally couldn't hold back before beginning the purification ritual: "Excuse me... but what exactly is your relationship?"
Kaguya turned her gaze toward her, eyes seeming to pierce straight into her thoughts. Shion felt an unexpected pang of unease and quickly looked away.
"...A soulbound companion," Kaguya answered after some thought.
As she spoke, Kaguya couldn't help but feel somewhat amused inwardly.
Was she actually competing for appeal against a child?
Upon hearing this response, Shion felt even more heartbroken. All her last hopes were crushed into pieces.
Visually speaking, Kaguya looked just a little older than Hiroki, so Shion had been secretly hoping she was Hiroki's older sister or some other elder relative.
Now, even that small fantasy had been directly shattered.
She bit her lip and got back to work.
After the ritual finished, she spoke generously, "It should be fine now. He should wake up tonight. If you need anything, feel free to come find me."
"Mm."
Shion left with an empty feeling in her heart.
Later, Kimimaro and Karin stopped by briefly, learned he was safe, then returned with reassurance.
Before nightfall, Hiroki woke up.
The moment his eyes opened, he realized immediately—he wasn't at home.
Kaguya sat beside the bed, turning her head to look at him.
"Does this mean I get to live here from now on?" He asked with a smile, propping himself up on one elbow.
"I just don't want you disturbing Kimimaro and Karin," Kaguya replied, raising an eyebrow before handing him the orb containing Moryo. "There...once Moryo shifts from formless to corporeal, the process will be effortless."
-----------------
In Shikkotsu Forest.
The Slug Sage spoke in a gentle tone as she instructed Tsunade.
After listening, Tsunade didn't act on the instructions immediately—instead first creating a Shadow Clone to test them out. Only after verifying there were no issues did she proceed with her main body.
Cultivation was critical—any mistake could have devastating consequences.
Knowing Tsunade's hesitation, the Slug Sage silently observed this scene.
Actually, Tsunade herself felt rather exhausted too.
They'd gotten along so harmoniously before—why must things turn out like this?
At one point, Tsunade let out a frustrated sigh, almost like releasing pent-up emotions as she couldn't resist asking, "Slug Sage, why won't you believe what she said?"
"Tsunade, that woman isn't as innocent as what you see now. The Ninja World's current state is entirely due to causes she planted."
"A thousand years sealed away—did she do anything? Without her, someone else would have emerged instead. Conflicts would have continued regardless. Even if she committed wrongdoings, she has already paid for them!"
The Slug Sage remained silent.
"Slug Sage, if you can't trust her, can you least trust me? Such terrifying things won't happen—I'll stop them."
"Tsunade, you and I...I trust you...my teachings have been complete without reservations," the Slug Sage finally spoke again.
"Okay." Tsunade met her gaze firmly. "Please believe me—I won't let those fears of yours come true."
The Slug Sage sighed once more, saying nothing further.
In Mount Myoboku, Sasuke and Naruto stood before Gamamaru together.
Gamamaru's purpose was straightforward—he wanted the two of them to recover the memories of Ashura and Indra.
Ashura and Indra both wielded power beyond even the Kage level. With their memories and cultivation experience, boosting one's strength would be effortless.
As for whether they'd remain as the original Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki or become Indra and Ashura after regaining these memories—it had nothing to do with Gamamaru.
Moreover, Ashura and Indra were the biological sons of the Sage of Six Paths. Perhaps they could discover a way to contact him, enabling him to reseal Kaguya.
Letting the Otsutsuki Clan's descendants handle this family matter seemed appropriate.
He had involved himself more than enough.
After restoring their memories, Gamamaru recounted some of Kaguya's past.
Jiraiya arrived completely confused and left no less bewildered, leading the two young men away.
He didn't understand what had happened at all, only noticing that both Naruto and Sasuke seemed significantly more composed after exiting that temple deep within Mount Myoboku—especially Naruto.
Before they had completely left Mount Myoboku's territory, Sasuke coldly spoke up: "Jiraiya, since Mount Myoboku possesses memory stones recording the past, why not bring it out and show it to the entire Ninja World?"
"At least address him properly as senior first," beside him, Naruto lightly frowned and reminded.
Sasuke silently chuckled, his expression full of contempt.
Jiraiya stared at him for a moment, suddenly feeling quite annoyed.
Sasuke had always treated him poorly—with arrogance.
He had always understood this.
If before it had been open disdain mixed with teenage arrogance, now it felt like Sasuke was looking down on him from a great height.
Like an invincible person scorning helpless insects.
He always sensed that Sasuke had somehow changed—but couldn't quite put it into words.
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